Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, and a coalition of respected Nigerians have appealed for calm in the ongoing labour dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, October 7, Kukah and 12 other signatories acknowledged the Federal Government’s mediation, which helped to defuse the crisis, but warned that such disruptions could erode investor confidence and stall progress in Nigeria’s refining sector.
They said, “We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery.
“Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.”
The group emphasised that industrial strikes should not undermine national productivity, adding that any competition or monopoly concerns should be addressed through legal and regulatory frameworks.
READ ALSO: Abati Blasts PENGASSAN Boss Osifo Over Dangote Refinery Dispute
“For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports.
“In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve,” they added.
They noted that the refinery had already begun to ease supply pressures, lowering fuel prices and giving citizens hope for stability.
The signatories, including Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside, and Dr Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, urged that workers’ rights be respected while cautioning against actions that could “hold the economy hostage.”
They also called on investors to operate transparently and uphold fair labour standards, insisting that “social responsibility and accountability must remain central.”